Traffic Stop Basics
You see police lights behind you while driving. What should you do?
What is: Safely pull over and stop the vehicle.
You receive a warning or ticket you don’t agree with. What should you do in the moment?
Stay calm and accept it respectfully.
You feel nervous and your hands are shaking while speaking to the officer. What could you say?
What is: “I’m feeling nervous, but I’m trying to follow your instructions.”
The officer speaks in a firm tone. How should you respond?
Stay calm and speak respectfully.
You are a passenger in a car that gets pulled over. What should you do?
Stay seated, keep your hands visible, and remain quiet unless the officer speaks to you.
The officer asks for your license and registration, but they are in the glove box. What should you do before reaching?
What is: Tell the officer where they are and ask if it’s okay to reach.
Is a traffic stop the right time to argue your case?
No. A traffic stop is not the time to debate or argue. Staying calm helps keep the situation from escalating.
You don’t understand what the officer just asked you to do. They begin to appear frustrated, what would you do?
“I want to make sure I’m following correctly. Could you please explain what you want me to do?”
You are feeling upset during a traffic stop. What can help you stay calm?
Pause before responding, take slow deep breaths, and focus on listening rather than reacting emotionally. Giving yourself a moment helps you think clearly and choose calm words.
The officer asks a question directed at the driver, but you as the passenger overhear it and want to help. What should you do?
Wait quietly and don’t interrupt unless the officer specifically asks you to speak. If you do speak, do so respectfully and briefly, for example: “May I add something?”
You are pulled over at night. What can you do to help the officer feel safe?
What is: Turn on interior lights and keep hands visible.
What is a respectful response after receiving a ticket?
A simple response like “Thank you” or “I understand” shows cooperation and respect.
The officer asks you to do something, but you need extra time to process or move.
Clearly communicate your need for time before acting, such as: “I need a moment to process what you said. I will move slowly.”
What tone of voice is best when speaking to law enforcement?
A calm, steady, and respectful tone helps the officer understand you more easily and lowers tension. Speaking slowly and clearly can prevent misunderstandings and keeps communication effective.
The officer asks you to step out of the vehicle. What is the safest response?
Follow the instruction calmly, move slowly, and avoid sudden movements.
After pulling over, where should your hands be while waiting for the officer?
What is: On the steering wheel or clearly visible.
If you believe a mistake was made, when should you address it?
Address it later through the court system or proper legal process, not during the stop.
You need to reach into your pocket to get your ID. What should you say first?
What is: “My ID is in my pocket. Is it okay if I reach for it?”
What is one behavior that could make a situation worse?
Raising your voice, interrupting, arguing, or making sudden movements can increase stress and confusion. These behaviors may cause the situation to escalate instead of calming it down.
Why is it important to listen carefully during a traffic stop?
Listening carefully helps prevent misunderstandings and supports safety and clear communication.
Why is it important to avoid sudden movements during a traffic stop?
What is: Sudden movements can be misunderstood and may increase risk.
Why is it safer to avoid arguing during a traffic stop?
Arguing can increase tension, make communication harder, and affect safety for both the driver and the officer.
You have a medical condition or disability that affects communication. What is a helpful thing to say?
What is: Calmly explain the condition so the officer understands.
Why is staying calm important during an interaction with police?
Staying calm helps you think clearly, follow instructions, and communicate respectfully. It also helps the officer feel more at ease, which can reduce tension and support a safer outcome for everyone involved.
During a stop, the officer’s instructions conflict with your physical limitations or safety concerns. What should you do?
Calmly inform the officer of your limitations and ask for alternative instructions, for example: “Due to my physical condition, I may need to move slowly or differently. Please advise on how I should proceed safely.”
This helps ensure both compliance and safety.